‘Ah, no—a third party is due to report at this time. We look for further captives with them. Six more of Vallejo’s men were brought in to-day by a second squad.’
‘Six more prisoners here alive in Arecibo now?’
‘Yes, Señor, waiting death now in the patio of el cuartel yonder—a mere formality—the paper from General Cordano—any moment.’
Elbert turned his head away. ‘Great night for guitars,’ he said.
‘Ah, to hear the bands of countless pieces in the great plazas of America!’
Elbert heard his own voice reach out plaintively in the hush. ‘When do these further executions—?’
‘To-morrow—next day—who can tell? We wait the order only. You care for these things?’
‘I could hardly say that, Captain. I was only wondering at the manner in which the prisoners face the end—if an American would act the same?’
‘Ah, doubtless Americans would accept with perfect composure—it is the least a man can do—’
‘Are all these men calm?’